Our mental health series is dedicated to sharing stories of student-athletes who want others to learn via their personal experiences. This story is about Miranda DiBiasio's experience is with an eating disorder, mental health, and body image. She is a track & field athlete who graduated from George Washington University. If you have a mental health story you'd like to share, please contact us.

The NCAA researched and concluded with Division 1 NCAA athletes, over one-third of female athletes reported symptoms placing them at risk for anorexia nervosa. While most athletes with eating disorders are female, male athletes are also at risk—especially those competing in sports that emphasize the athlete's diet, appearance, size, and weight requirements, such as wrestling, bodybuilding, crew, and running. 

Miranda DiBiasio graduated from George Washington University, where she ran Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. While competing for GW, Miranda focused mainly on the longest distance races, meaning cross country and the 5000 meters & 10,000 meters on the track. During this period, she raced at the highest level, becoming an Atlantic-10 Champion three times. However, Miranda also suffered from an eating disorder, which ultimately left her severely injured after her junior year. In this interview, Miranda discusses her mental struggle with her body image, with an important focus on her recovery. 

For more information on body image, go to Miranda DiBiasio's website, Striding For Balance.

Source: ncaa.org 

* Originally published on September 28, 2020, by Olivia Horgan